Deportivo de La Coruña made official on Friday one of the most talked-about moves of the winter transfer window with the signing of Adrià Altimira, a 24-year-old right-back with Primera División experience who arrives on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Villarreal.
The operation has put several First and Second Division clubs on alert, who had also been interested in the player, but finally the former Leganés player has committed to the Galician team until 2028. Altimira is already in Abegondo and could have his first minutes this week, in this Sunday’s match against Cádiz (21:00).
A priority signing to reinforce the side
The arrival of Adrià Altimira responds to a clear need of Deportivo. The team was looking to reinforce the right-back position and his incorporation became one of the priorities of the winter market. Altimira meets the profile of a player with experience in the elite and with projection, and his arrival is interpreted as a boost to the Coruña project, which aspires to fight for promotion to the First Division.
Although the transfer window does not officially open until January 2, the A Coruña club has already made two signings: Altimira and Álvaro Fernández, who has already met his new teammates this week.
A player with a career at the elite level
Adrià Altimira arrives at Deportivo after terminating his contract with Villarreal, the club he has been with for the last three seasons. His time with the Castellón-based club began with Villarreal B, where he was a key player in the silver category, before being given opportunities with the first team.
During the 2023-2024, 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, Altimira made a total of 22 appearances for the first team, although his presence was conditioned by the strong competition in the position. Marcelino García Toral, then coach of Villarreal, opted to keep him in the squad despite the fact that he was competing for the full-back position against players such as Santiago Mouriño and Pau Navarro. This season, Altimira has only played three cup games and one league game for the yellow team.
Prior to his arrival at Villarreal for the 2022-2023 season, Altimira had left Andorra and spent a loan spell at Leganés, where he also showed his ability and versatility in the defensive profile.
The interest of other teams and the competition for his signing
Before his arrival at Riazor, Adrià Altimira had attracted the interest of several clubs in both the First and Second Division, which gives an idea of his value in the market and the potential that many saw in him. In the end, Deportivo won the battle and secured his signature for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The fact that teams in higher categories set their eyes on a 24-year-old right back reflects the valuation of Altimira in Spanish soccer. His youth combined with experience in a demanding structure such as Villarreal’s makes him an interesting asset for any project.
First steps in A Coruña and possible debut
Adrià Altimira has already been made available to coach Antonio Hidalgo and is expected to have his first minutes in the Deportivo shirt this Sunday, in the match against Cadiz, corresponding to the league matchday. The fact that he is already available shows the intention of the coaching staff to integrate him quickly and take advantage of his versatility and his quick adaptation to the competitive rhythm.
Deportivo is confident that his contribution will not only strengthen the right-back position, but also bring dynamism to the team and help them in their fight for the top positions in the standings.
Villarreal’s official statement
“Adrià Altimira leaves Villarreal CF. The Catalan defender and the yellow club separate their paths after three seasons linked to the Submarine, where he defended the interests of the yellow subsidiary in the Second Division and managed to be part of the first team.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥: 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚̀ 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚
Adrià Altimira and Villarreal CF part ways after three seasons 🤝🏻
The club thanks him for his dedication and professionalism during his time as a Groguet and wishes him luck in his new adventure… pic… pic.twitter.com/swX8fywP2M
– Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) December 29, 2025
Altimira says goodbye after playing a total of 22 official games with Villarreal CF’s first team between the 2023/24 and 2025/26 seasons. Last season he played on loan at CD Leganés, which played in Primera División.
The club thanks him for his dedication and professionalism during his time as a groguet and wishes him luck in his new professional adventure”.
